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Recapitulating and Deciphering Tumor Microenvironment by Using 3D Printed Plastic Brick-Like Microfluidic Cell
Yang Liu1, Yingying Liu1, Xiaonan Zheng1
1Institute of Precision Medicine and Health, Research Center for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China.
Researchers developed a 3D printed microfluidic device to study the tumor microenvironment in vitro. This easy-to-use system allows detailed analysis of cell interactions, revealing how tumors and their surroundings synergize to promote cancer growth.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Tumor cells exist within a complex network of surrounding cells and matrix, termed the tumor microenvironment (TME).
- Understanding tumorigenesis requires in vitro models that accurately replicate the TME with quantitative measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an accessible in vitro system for recapitulating the tumor microenvironment.
- To investigate cell-cell interactions between tumor cells and fibroblasts within a controlled microenvironment.
Main Methods:
- A 3D printed, brick-like microfluidic device was engineered for spatial patterning of tumor cells and fibroblasts.
- The system facilitates heterotypic coculturing, quantitative phenotype decoding, and molecular assays using minimal cell numbers (<100).
- Analysis included phenotypic, gene/protein expression, and whole transcriptional landscape (RNA-seq) studies, validated with a mouse xenograft model.
Main Results:
- Reciprocal synergism between fibrosarcoma cells and fibroblasts was observed, primarily via upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines.
- Fibroblasts transitioned to a cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-like phenotype.
- Tumor cells demonstrated hyperactive ribosome biogenesis.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic device provides an easy-to-use, open-source platform for studying the TME in vitro.
- This system advances the understanding of tumorigenesis and the reciprocal interactions within the tumor microenvironment.
- The findings highlight the significant role of stromal cells in promoting tumor progression.
